The Marvelous Land of Oz 1: The Viserion Disaster.

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Full badass mode.

A 110% Badass Mode

One cannot be both armed and unarmed at the same time you silly billy~.

That would be a naginata...?

"I have no need for a weapon."

"Are you... certain?" asked the soldier.

A firm hand placed itself on Alvis's shoulder from behind. "Do I detect a hint of arrogance from you, old friend?"

Alvis made a small smile as he turned and shook the hand of the man. He was fit, had clean blue hair cut short, with a face turned somewhat rugged with age. He wore the signature golden, radiant Angelo armor with a matching yellow bodysuit underneath. "It has been too long, Michael," Alvis said.

The Angelo commander gestured to the other soldier to tell that he was dismissed. "It has. Never thought I'd say it, but I actually missed being soundly beaten in chess by you. But what brings you here? Surely you're aware that this wouldn't be the best time for a casual visit."

They began walking to the tent the soldier pointed to earlier.

"I've been instructed by the queen to assist in this operation," Alvis answered. "Tonight will be an important battle, as you know."

"I hope you don't intend to usurp our ranks and steal the glory of our hard work," japed Michael.

"A tempting idea, but no," Alvis said. "I will be deferring to your -- or the other commander's -- judgements for this battle. Truth be told, I require a briefing that explains what exactly you will be doing, for I haven't the slightest idea."

"Understandable," said Michael. "Not many outside of the three of us know what we're doing. To prevent potential leaks and all that. Curious that the queen did not tell you herself, though."

"That can be blamed on a shortage of time," Alvis said. "She has been busier than usual, lately."

"I could almost wonder how that would be possible."

Their idle chatter ceased once they entered the center tent. Aside from a few personnel doing menial tasks, the only thing of particular note was a large desk with a map of the eastern mountains spread out. By the table to Alvis's left was Sterling, leaning back on a creaking wooden chair, his feet kicked up onto the desk, and twirling a bullet between his fingers. To Alvis's right was Alexus, studying the map with his arms crossed as he waited for the Angelo commander.

"We have an unexpected guest," said Michael. Alvis gave a small bow of greetings.

"Well howdy, Alvin," said Sterling. His ability to somehow fail to correctly remember the names of most of the people he meets even extended to his superiors. "Good timin'. My snipers would 'preciate calm winds tonight."

"I shall see what I can do," Alvis replied. He knew that it wasn't worth trying to correct Sterling on the name he has.

"Much obliged," said the cowboy.

"Why are you here, archmage?" Alexus asked.

"To assist however I can, Alexus," Alvis said. "I assure you that I carry no hidden agendas."

The Legionnaire general didn't seem entirely convinced, but nodded in acceptance. They had more important things to address.

Michael stood directly across from Alvis. "I will make this quick. We've drawn the layout of the mountains around Viserion here." He pointed to the map. Viserion was tucked away at the side of a particularly steep mountain, with two primary methods of entry: A large, natural land bridge connecting to another adjacent mountain to the Southwest, and a narrower path at the eastern side of the fortress spiraling downward. Of the two paths, the land bridge would be most capable of accommodating a large army, but it would lead to a heavily fortified side of the fortress. The eastern walls had weaker fortifications, but the path was unsuited for a large army to pass safely; the elevation disadvantage would not be something to ignore, especially not with the boulders the Ephesians have primed and ready to shove down the mountain on top of any would-be travelers.

"I will be leading the central army and the Angelos in a direct charge through the land bridge," Michael said. "Meanwhile, Alexus and his Legionnaires will strike from the eastern path, as well as create coordinated internal strikes from infiltrators he has planted in order to create discord within the enemy ranks. Sterling and his sharpshooters will be providing supporting fire from afar, destroying or reporting any forms of enemy movement that could become a threat."

"What do we know about the enemy?" Alvis asked.

"We have confirmed that none of the Elemental Generals are present, although who exactly is in command is unknown to us. Trolls, ballista, and mages will be among the rank-and-file."

"They also have a teleportation-sealing device within their walls," Alexus said. "It will make no difference in this battle, however. My infiltrators will see to it that it shall be extinguished at the short sign of battle. My Legionaries will not fail."

"Once the seal has been confirmed to have been lifted," Michael continued, "A squadron of my elite soldiers will be teleported inside to cause further damage. Ideally, the end result would be crippling attempts at counterattacking from the main force. We hope that our combined might shall prevail against any unknown variables we come across.

Now, the question is, where do you want come in?"

Alvis brought his hand to his chin. It sounds promising. An attack on multiple fronts, including an internal one. However, which side could use my aid the most, while at the same time allowing me to do my observations without gravely influencing the outcome? I need to think about this one carefully.

The archmage pondered his options for a moment. "...I shall

A) Partner with Michael Angelo in leading the Central Army.
B) Join forces with Alexus and the Legion in their Eastern invasion.
C) Assist Sterling and his men in providing sniper fire.

C works.